Investment in Loans (Schedule of Investments in Loans) (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019 USD ($)
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Current Principal/Notional Amount	$ 1,387,733
Fair Value	1,412,426	[1]
Residential mortgage loans
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Current Principal/Notional Amount	911,705
Fair Value	932,203
Commercial mortgage loans
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Current Principal/Notional Amount	277,870
Fair Value	274,759
Consumer loans
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Current Principal/Notional Amount	179,743
Fair Value	186,954
Corporate loan [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Current Principal/Notional Amount	18,415
Fair Value	$ 18,510

[1] Ellington Financial Inc.'s Consolidated Balance Sheet includes assets and liabilities of variable interest entities it has consolidated. See Note 9 for additional details on Ellington Financial Inc.'s consolidated variable interest entities.